Gameday: Cubs (8-14) vs. Phillies (10-12)

Philadelphia Phillies (10-12) vs. Chicago Cubs (8-14)

Chris Volstad (0-3, 6.14) vs. Vance Worley (2-1, 2.16)

Time: 7:05 PM, Citizens Bank Park
TV: PHL 17
Weather: Overcast, 55
Media: Twitter and Facebook

INJURY UPDATE: Cliff Lee will NOT come off the disabled list on Friday, the first day he would have been eligible to do so. That doesnt mean he isn’t doing well; Rich Dubee says he’s improving. But they don’t want to rush it and he’ll have to throw a few bullpen sessions before they bring him back to the rotation…

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Offense, where art thou? It’s back to being ugly again – Charlie Manuel says plain and simple, they’re pressing. I think that’s pretty evident. It’s another different lineup this evening, as Pete Orr is at second base, Laynce Nix plays left field.

Will Jimmy Rollins bust out? He has looked downright awful. He’s getting on base at a .264 clip, which just won’t do. J-Roll is 4 for his last 40. We know when J-Roll goes, so go the Phillies.

They’ve absolutely torched Cubs starter Chris Volstad during his days with the Marlins. He’s 2-5 with a 5.88 ERA in 12 career starts against the Phillies, so it’s the perfect storm for the Phillies tonight. I’m going out on a limb tonight – 7 RUNS! Bring it to the bank. Bet the over. Phils drop a 7-spot this evening.

Vance Worley is responsible for holding it down on the mound tonight. He’s done that so far this year, posting a 2.16 ERA. It’s been tons of fun watching Worley pitch with swagger on the hill. Let’s hope that can continue tonight as he shuts up the critics who believed a sophomore slump was inevitable.

Lineup: Rollins SS, Polanco 3B, Victorino CF, Pence RF, Wigginton 1B, Nix LF, Ruiz C, Orr 2B, Worley P.

Your gameday beer: Stella Artois

A cold Stella on a crisp night with a little baseball? Love it. Stella is a Belgian beer and the name is Latin for the word “star”. The Phillies could use some Stella’s tonight in their lineup. It’s been far too long since we’ve enjoyed one of their patented offensive tears. Enjoy it with a Chicken Caesar salad and a Phillies victory. You won’t be let down tonight – by either. – By Pat

GO PHILLIES

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.